Town council approves naming small waterfront parcel 'Anchor Park'

The North Kingstown Town Council voted Monday to name a narrow greenspace beside the municipal parking lot in Wickford “Anchor Park.” The council opened and closed a public hearing and approved the naming by voice vote.

Supporters told the council the site, a sliver of land near the town dock and breechway that serves Wickford Harbor and Academy Cove, already functions as an informal public gathering spot. "To sit in this particular spot offers a panoramic view of Wickford Harbor," said William Pennoyer, representing the Veterans Day and Memorial Day Parade Committee, during the public hearing. "It has a nice anchor, which speaks of the olden days of Wickford, and some very comfortable benches."

The naming request came to the council from the Veterans Day and Memorial Day Parade Committee. After a short hearing with only pro-naming testimony, a council member moved to name the parcel Anchor Park and the council approved the motion by voice vote. Supporters, including local resident Randy Wakeman, urged the council to formalize a name they said residents already use.

Council procedure: the council opened the public hearing, received testimony from the applicant and members of the public, closed the hearing and then took the naming motion under consideration. The motion to name the parcel Anchor Park was approved; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public minutes.

What happens next: The council did not attach conditions to the naming; staff will update town maps and signage as appropriate. The request had no opposition during the hearing.

Votes and record: The council approved the naming motion during the meeting on March 10, 2025.